Jeanerette Firefighter Arrested on Arson Charges

An 18-year-old Jeanerette Volunteer Firefighter is facing charges of simple arson this morning after it was alleged he set fire to a structure so he could help put it out. Kentrelle Beasley Junior was booked into the Iberia Parish Jail on Tuesday following an investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

Investigators noted that the fire at the structure on Nolan Duchane Road came into the fire station shortly after midnight on July 4th. That blaze was reported in person by Beasley. He later showed up at the scene of the fire to help put it out.

Iberia Parish Deputies working the fire scene noticed suspicious circumstances surrounding the blaze and called in the State Fire Marshal's Office for help with an investigation. That investigation determined that the blaze had been intentionally set and began on the front porch of the dwelling.

Acting on suspicions about Beasley's involvement with the fire lead the Jeanerette Fire Chief to question Beasley about the incident. It was during that questioning that Beasley allegedly confessed. He was taken into custody by Jeanerette Police to await questioning by officials with the Fire Marshal's Office.

During the course of that questioning Beasley allegedly revealed to investigators that he started the blaze so he could assist in putting it out. Beasley had only been with the JVFD for three months.